Soul Hall Conflict

"Master Xiao Ling, please save my master!"

Nalan Yanran's voice carried an uncontrollable sob. The instant her words fell, the air inside and outside the pavilion abruptly fell silent.

Mu Qingluan's hand, which had just lifted her teacup, paused slightly. Her almond eyes filled with astonishment, and her delicate body, which had been leaning against Xiao Ling's side, unconsciously straightened as she stared directly at Nalan Yanran's tense profile.

Qing Lin also stopped in her tracks, her little face full of confusion. She had clearly not expected the usually aloof Deacon Nalan to suddenly reveal such a loss of composure.

Xiao Ling's fingers stopped rubbing the rim of his cup as well. A trace of surprise flashed through his deep eyes before swiftly vanishing, replaced by solemnity.

Looking at the girl bowing before him, her shoulders trembling faintly, he softened his tone. His voice was gentle, yet carried a reassuring strength.

"You said to save your master? Is it Yun Yun?"

When Nalan Yanran's eyes instantly reddened and she nodded unconsciously, Xiao Ling raised a hand to motion for her to rise. "Get up first. Don't panic."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the girl's pale face and tightly clenched fists. "Take your time. What exactly happened? Where is Yun Yun now? Was she ambushed by a powerful enemy, or did something go wrong in her cultivation?"

Nalan Yanran rose as instructed, hurriedly wiping away the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. Her long lashes still held tiny traces of moisture. Her voice continued to tremble, but it was steadier than before.

"It was... people from the Soul Hall." She took a deep breath, struggling to calm her surging emotions. Her burning gaze remained fixed on Xiao Ling as she spoke quickly yet clearly.

"A few days ago,